Are you looking for Halloween events in Dorset? Spooky season is nearly upon us and Dorset has a brilliant reputation for hosting the best Halloween events. Here, we give you a handful of eerie-sistible activities in the local area to keep the kids busy during the synonymous October half-term (don’t worry adults – there’s something for you here, too).
Photo credit: JamesInOregon - Flickr.
Farmer Palmers
– 24th – 28th October
Farmer Palmers are renowned for giving their popular children’s farm a spooky makeover for the Halloween period. Their team transforms into the ‘Boo Crew’ to create a fang-tastic Halloween experience for younger children. 2022 will see the return of their ever-popular “Soak-a-Spook” tractor ride, as well as a brand-new Pumpkin Pick event. This event is the furthest away from Newlands Holiday Park on this list, although we think the 1-hour trip is totally worth it.
Notice: You will need to pre-book your admission tickets and pumpkin picking at the same time.
Find out more on the Farmer Palmers Website.
Photo credit: Karon Elliott - Flickr.
Bincombe Bumps Halloween Spooktacular
– 9th and 10th, 16th and 17th & 23rd-30th October
Grab your wellies and head to Bincombe Bumps for a lovely autumnal day out for the whole family. The Spooktacular is one of Weymouth’s most popular Halloween events. Pumpkin picking, haunted house, trick or treat and lots more are all going on within the spooky-themed farm. It is FREE to enter and 45 minutes away from our holiday park!
Find out more on the Bincombe Bumps Website.
Mapperton Halloween Trail
- 23rd – 28th October
2022 marks the return of Beaminster’s premier Halloween event. Children of all ages will enjoy the spine-chilling trail around Mapperton Gardens. A series of spooky clues will be hidden within the grounds for children to explore and find. Fancy dress is encouraged! Mapperton, Beaminster is just a 25-minute drive from us!
Find out more on the Mapperton website.
Halloween Fun at the Fort
-22nd – 30th October
The October half-term sees Nothe Fort’s already-scary ghost tunnels transform into one of the spookiest spots in Dorset. The hit 2021 event featured slime and spells making, as well as a hunt for bats around the fort. We can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2022. Weymouth’s Nothe Fort is 50 minutes away from Newlands holiday park.
Find out more on the Nothe Fort website.
Abbotsbury Swannery Pumpkin Trail
-22nd – 30th October
Abbotsbury Swannery, home of the world’s only managed colony of nestling mute swans, will host a pumpkin trail over the October half-term. Their beautiful grounds will transform into a Halloween haven perfect for all the family. More details to be announced soon!
Find out more on the Abbotsbury Swannery Website.
For adults:
Spells in the Cells
29th October, 7PM
One for the grown-ups. Spells in the Cells is an 18+ event that comes back for its 3rd year in Shire Hall, Dorchester. Channel your inner witch or wizard with an evening of alcoholic potion making. The evening will commence with a serving of Butterbeer, a beverage straight from the books. From there, things get a little mixed up. Using a set of ingredients from ancient ‘magic textbooks’, you’ll create concoctions such as Transfiguration Tonic. The event is 40 minutes from our holiday park.
Notice: pre-booking is required and you may be asked for proof of ID.
Find out more on the Stay Happening website.
Follow the event on Facebook.
Bonus:
Pumpkin Patches in Dorset
Nothing says “Halloween” like carving your finest spooky work into a pumpkin. So, we couldn’t finish this article without giving you a comprehensive list of the excellent pumpkin patches in the local area. Fun for the whole family, pumpkin picking in Dorset is a popular pastime you simply must try. Head over to one of these locations and hunt for the best pumpkin – go big or gourd home.
Dewflock Farm – Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester
Barleymow’s Maize Maze – Chard
Farmer Palmers – Poole
Bincombe Bumps – Weymouth
Darts Farm – Exeter
Frogmary Green Farm – South Petherton
